The toddler stage is both exciting and challenging. It’s incredible to watch tots foster their curiosity, lean into their personalities, and make strides toward independence. It’s also, let’s face it, exhausting to keep them entertained and tantrum-free on a regular basis. So whether you need ideas to add to your daily schedule or a quick fix in an emergency, these 10-minute or less toddler activities are easy ways to have bursts of fun anytime, anywhere.
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1. Have a Dance Party
Throw on some music and dance it out. Choose from our roundup of the best Spotify playlists, and spike your heart rate to a family-friendly tune. It’s also a great way to shake things up when your little one is feeling grumpy.
2. Act Out a Book
While reading a book together is always a good idea, acting one out could be even more fun. If your toddler has a favorite book they’re obsessed with, dig into the dress-up box and have them try to act out a live-action version.
3. Play Simon Says
Play this old favorite but with a twist. We love using Simon Says to help pick up a messy room. Simon says, “Put your toy in the chest” is a parenting hack that clears clutter while entertaining toddlers.
5. Act Like an Animal
Get wild with this one! Ask your child what their favorite animal is and encourage them to play a quick animal action game. Challenge your child to move like the animal, running, crawling, leaping, lumbering, or slithering like a furry, feathered, or scaled friend.
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6. Play Hide-and-Seek with Stuffies
If you don’t have the energy to squeeze behind the couch or want to play hide and seek in a small space, try playing with one of your toddlers’ favorite stuffed animals.
7. Throw a Bath Party
Ain’t no party like a bathtub party! Turn off the lights, toss in the glow sticks and bubble wands, and crank the music.
8. Play Eye-Spy
It’s a time-tested classic and a traditional game that just about every child plays at some point or another. It’s also easily adaptable, requires no materials, and takes almost no time to complete. Put a twist on the same old game and set up your “I Spy” with a theme. Pick a letter (all things that begin with “B”), a color (only purple objects), or any other focus that your kiddo can dream up.
9. Have A Puzzle Marathon
Break out two or three of your toddler’s favorite puzzles and set a timer to see how fast you can complete them all.
10. Play Florist
Collect branches, ferns, and a few blooms and arrange them in a pretty vase or jar. Toddlers also love playing shop, so make believe you’re their first satisfied customer.
11. Play Follow the Leader
Get creative with the classic “follow the leader” game. Choose a theme (such as acting like animals or moving like snowflakes), create super-silly walks, or explore outside with a follow-the-leader nature walk.
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12. Create a Card for a Loved One
Surprise a friend or relative with a homemade card from you and your toddler. They’ll have fun stamping, coloring, and creating a fun design, and the recipient will be thrilled with the surprise mail.
13. Wash Windows Together
Their willingness to help with household chores wanes as they get older, so take advantage of your toddler’s excitement for spraying and wiping and get some sparkling windows in the process.
14. Tic Tac Toe
When it comes to toddler activities, the paper and pencil version of this classic is always fun. Or try spicing it up by hunting for objects to serve as x’s and o’s.
15. Play Red Light, Green Light
Strengthen their listening skills with a quick game of Red Light Green Light. In addition to being fun, you can talk to your toddler about the importance of following instructions, a skill their preschool teacher will certainly appreciate.
Have a water fight, take a road trip, or just talk. There are so many daughter & mother activities mothers that’ll strengthen the bond
Between school, work, and keeping the family afloat, sometimes it’s tough for mother-daughter activities to come front and center. To help you keep that bond strong, we found 33 of the very best ideas. Whether your daughter is 5 or 15, keep reading to discover mother-daughter activities you’ve got to try at least once.
1. Play a game of basketball. Even if you aren’t the next Steph Curry—you can still shoot hoops with your daughter. Plus, it’s a great workout!
2. Have a spa day. Every mom and daughter deserves the royal treatment at least once. A soothing mask, manicure, pedicure, and refreshing cucumber water will make for a memorable day.
3. Write in a journal together. Sometimes talking about our feelings is tough. But using a mother-daughter journal to share our dreams and disappointments can be a great bonding experience (and a wonderful keepsake for the future).
4.Have a movie marathon. Pick a series of movies (Star Wars, Harry Potter, Disney), pop popcorn, and make a day of movies in your family room.
5. Go on a road trip. Nothing says togetherness like riding in a car for a long time. Create a playlist of music you both want, pick a destination, and start driving.
6. Set up and finish a jigsaw puzzle. A puzzle guarantees hours of quality time with your daughter.
7.Run a race. Whether it’s a 5k or a 1-mile fun run, train with your daughter and show her that girls can do anything!
9. Have regular mommy-daughter dates. Whether it’s a lunch date, a walk to the park, or visiting a local museum, you don’t have to wait for a special occasion to spend time with your daughter.
10. Pick a Pinterest project to tackle. You know all those crafts and projects you have pinned? Find a perfect one for a mother-daughter team and make an afternoon of it.
13. Go to high tea. Find a fancy hat and get your pinkies up. High tea is a luxurious activity every mom and daughter should do at least once.
14. Volunteer or do a community service project. There are a lot of community activities for families. Pick an activity that will help mom and daughter give back to others while spending time together.
15. Schedule a professional photoshoot. Most moms have hundreds of photos of their daughters, and we all love a good selfie. But having a photographer other than yourself capture lasting memories is a gift you'll enjoy well into the future. We love Shoott, the company that connects local photographers with people who want their pictures taken.
16. Go to a fancy dinner. Make a reservation for a restaurant you've always wanted to try and have a date night with your daughter.
17. Have a water fight. Invest in some balloons and water guns and spend the day getting wet.
18. Learn to build something. Put your girl power into action, and perfect your building skills at a class through Home Depot or another hands-on workshop. There's no reason the hammer and drills should be left to fathers and sons.
20. Have a picnic.Pack a picnic lunch (or buy a delicious sandwich at a local shop) and find a pretty outdoor spot. Spend some time eating, chatting, reading, or playing together.
21. Bake a cake or cook a full dinner. You've probably enlisted your daughter's help baking cookies or peeling veggies. Take your culinary skills up a notch and attempt to create an entire cake or a four-course meal.
22. Travel to a new city. You can take a plane ride to another state or drive to the next town. Explore a new city with your daughter, and see what interests both of you.
33. Have a good cry together. Showing your daughter that it's okay to express her feelings is important. And, it's important to show her that you're human, too.
24. Take a hike.Find a trail to explore. Wander through your local park. Stroll the beach, head up a mountain, or discover the desert. Enjoying nature together may open your eyes to many new things along the path.
25. Go on a shopping spree. While it's probably worth saving up some money for this indulgence, an afternoon shopping spree is something every mother and daughter should do together.
26. See a play or musical. Dress up, have lunch, and experience a play or musical at a local theater.
27. Take a painting class together. Get artsy and do a painting or crafting class together. You'll love seeing your unique perspectives come to life on the canvas.
28. Go to an amusement park. Some moms like theme parks as much (or more than) as the kids. Spend a day at the Happiest Place on Earth, or explore the features at Universal Studios.
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29. Have a dance party. Blast your favorite playlist and dance, dance, dance.
30. Look through old photos and scrapbooks. Before the days of Facebook, we kept our memories printed in albums. Share your old photo albums and scrapbooks with your daughter, and tell her stories about those special times.
31. Go thrift shopping or antique hunting. It's fun to hunt through thrift shops and see what treasures you can find.
32. Go fishing. Who says fishing is just for the guys? Find a local fishing hole and spend an afternoon casting a line.
33. Play a board game. There are plenty of games that are perfect for a mother-daughter afternoon. You can even take the game to a local coffee shop or park to make the time more special.
First birthday gifts can be a little tricky. You want to introduce them to fun new things while also keeping it age-appropriate. Their personality is starting to shine, too, so leaning into their developing interests is a great move, too. What’s a mom to do? Look no further than the stars for guidance on the best gifts for the new toddler in your life.
These are some of the best toddler toys out there, if we do say so ourselves, and we’ve consulted their horoscopes for the best presents to make their big day even better. Plus, we’ve included some bonus zodiac info you might not know about your babe! Keep in mind that these goodies do vary in age recommendations, so consider what you believe your little one is ready for. Now, follow the stars to the best first birthday gifts based on your kiddo’s zodiac sign!
If you feel like your Aries kiddo is in charge of the whole house, you can thank their natural leadership skills. A fire sign, and the first sign of the zodiac, this little ram has a bold, spicy personality that makes them brave, confident, and generally self-assured. Those are traits many of us, even as adults, struggle with, so having a natural sense of self-confidence is incredible. While they really aren’t arrogant, their security in themselves makes them driven and ambitious. They’re competitive and determined, energetic and a little impulsive.
Your Aries babe is dynamic and majorly ready for adventure at any time. Honesty will be a major value they develop, and along with their strong leadership skills comes the ability to bring others together and build community. It’s likely they’ll want the whole family to participate in game nights (of their choosing, of course), and although their fire sign nature can lead to some hot-headedness (we’re sure you’ve noticed) and cutting words, these dynamic and energetic kiddos are reliable, magnetic, and never dull.
My First Pinball Activity Table
Little Tikes
A toddler-ready pinball activity table is the perfect way to celebrate your energetic and fun-loving Aries baby. Sounds, numbers, balls, and more make this retro-themed toy a big win!
Aries toddlers have all the energy to climb, crawl, and jump full throttle into whatever they're doing. This soft foam climbing set gives them the space and freedom to explore and feed their adventurous natures.
Celebrate their ability to push through obstacles, approach challenges head-on, and blaze their own fiery trail with this adorable Aries-inspired plush ram by Jellycat!
Even at 12 months old, your Taurus kiddo is highly intuitive. There’s a good chance you’ve noticed them exploring the world using all 5 of their senses, even more than the average toddler. These bull-y babes are notorious for being exceptionally sensitive to the people and environment around them and are likely to surprise you with their ability to ‘read’ situations and people from a young age. Your Taurus will also be right about their sense of things more often than not, so when they stubbornly (they’re the bull, of course) insist they get a ‘vibe’ about something, it’ll definitely be worth taking seriously.
Tapping into their intuitive abilities gives them a strong sense of favoritism. They’ll use each one of their senses to quickly pick out their favorite foods, movies, places, and people that suit them best. Two of their faves? Sunshine and fresh air. This Earth sign is definitely solar-powered. They’re also deeply grounded and solid, so reconnecting with nature and getting their hands dirty is always a good idea when they’re having a particularly bull-headed moment.
Bio Sand & Garden Kit
Danrie
'Grounding' really is the name of the game when it comes to your Taurus, so this gardening set is ideal for the sandbox and their own patch of the garden. It'll be their happy place.
This indoor playhouse brings the natural ground right into your home. Taurus babies will love the little retreat it offers and you'll love that the shatterproof acrylic lets you keep an eye on them (which you'll want to do when they're still young and not independently mobile, especially). It's an investment, but they'll play with it for years!
Toddlers love sounds and pressing buttons, so a press-and-listen book is always a hit. This one is an awesome choice for your Taurus toddler to look through (while sitting in the playhouse, maybe?).
Gemini babies are born with exceptional communication skills, so if you have a serious babbler on your hands, it’s not necessarily just for the sake of hearing their own voice. This sign loves interaction and storytelling (which also gives them a little bit of a tendency to embellish their tales, so gently calling them out on those little white lies from a young age is a good idea). Geminis are known for their unpredictable personalities, thanks to the dueling twins as their ruler. That’s not a bad thing, though. They’re so fun and, despite sometimes running hot and cold, they’re actually really adaptable and curious.
Geminis are a social bunch. They have an excellent sense of humor, and a lot of that can be attributed to their exceptional intellect. They’re in the company of JFK, Walt Whitman, and Natalie Portman, and their intelligence can approach or reach genius level. Technology, gadgets, coding tools and toys are going to top their lists of interests. Your Gemini is likely an insatiably curious kiddo who can multitask like a master. Fostering their hunger for knowledge and natural engagement will be a parenting win for these little ones.
Customized Name Puzzle & Busy Board
Lovery Toys
Brilliant baby Geminis are great at puzzles, and not only is this one really cute; it also includes their names, so don't be surprised if they pick up how to spell it incredibly fast. The multitasking Gems will appreciate the busy b
This one should come as no surprise to moms of Geminis. A 60-piece Montessori play kit that covers your kiddo's love of learning and keeps them from slipping into the boredom zone.
The Smart Toddler Box is exactly what it says it is: 4 educational books, 2 sets of flashcards, a double-sided puzzle, and 2 shape-and-color matching boards.
Ah, your emotional little crab. They’re ruled by the moon and, just like their lunar influence, go through phases frequently. And while it’s true that Cancers are ultra-sensitive, they really are pretty darn easygoing and easy to please. Even when they are having a crabby moment, they’re very unlikely to lash out physically or act out. These crabby kiddos are empathetic, compassionate, and deeply nurturing. They notice everything and forget absolutely nothing.
When a Cancer child gets into one of their sullen moods, and they will, it’s a great time to break out an arts and crafts project so they can express their emotions. The good news? They do get over their cranky hermit moods pretty quickly. More often than not, you’ll get a ton of cuddle time thanks to their nurturing and family-oriented nature. Cancers are true sweethearts that love to be at home, be close, and thrive on gentle parenting approaches (they aren’t usually apt to take advantage of people), and will always glow under approval from those they love.
Melissa & Doug Baby Giraffe
Melissa & Doug
Encourage your Cancer baby's nurturing side with this sweet baby giraffe, complete with a bottle, pacifier, and cloth diaper. They'll love taking care of this little one!
My First Painting Petit Barbouille Mess-Free Paint Set
DJECO
This set comes with 4 laminated painting cards, so they can use the included washable non-toxic paints to create their masterpiece, and you can rinse and reuse them.
Loyal and affectionate, your Leo baby truly lives up to their lion ruler. It’s next to impossible to find a more dedicated leader, and no one will mind when they’re the first to stand up and take charge. Why? Because they don’t just enjoy leading; they excel at it. Making decisions is their forte, and that’s a trait you can capitalize on as a parent (“Would you rather where the blue shirt or the pink dress?”, etc.). They’re energetic, too, so anything that lets them move their body is a solid choice. This fire sign is a jungle gym boss. Try to stick with a regular bedtime, mom. Sleeping is not one of their talents. FOMO is strong with them.
You’ve probably noticed that ‘Drama’ is your lion cub’s middle name. Everything is big, bigger, biggest with a Leo baby. From the biggest smile in the room to the most epic tantrum in the least convenient moment, the lion roars with their whole chest. Sass and wit come easily to them, and they seek the spotlight at all times. Give them space to express themselves, to perform made-up plays and songs, and respect the importance they place on honesty above all, and you’ll be on the receiving end of their purr more often than their bite.
Toddler Dress-Up Trunk
Lakeshore Learning
A performer needs a wardrobe, and this toddler-friendly dress-up trunk is a costume-loving Leo's dream.
If there's anything your Leo loves, it's emulating you. You're the biggest, most important force in their little lives, and they crave that kind of energy. Does your little one see you sipping out of your tumbler all day? This adorable copy-cat mug is ideal for them.
Are you raising more of a rockstar than a movie star? Let them get their groove on with this piano featuring 24 keys, 8 percussion instruments, 4 musical instruments, 22 demo songs, volume control, play & record, karaoke, LED, and external MP3.
Meticulous. There’s no other word that applies more to this earth sign. They’re neat, exacting, and detail-oriented, and you can rely on them to be responsible from an early age. They adore helping, so letting them assist in household chores is a great way to bond with your little one. Highly organized and oh-so-smart, Virgo babes also tend to be extremely analytical. Those traits serve them well often, but it’s likely you’ll notice their innate intelligence often leads them to be exceptionally hard on themselves. It’s a good idea to remember that these shy-leaning kiddos aren’t necessarily seeking attention so much as reassurance.
Virgos are represented by a maiden carrying a shaft of grain, associated with their love of serving and their deep-rooted connection to the earth. Along with their desire to serve others, they’ll strive for perfection, no matter what. This can manifest in struggling with a sense of self-worth, insecurity, and feelings of inferiority. These struggles feel very real for them, so don’t hesitate to build them up without worrying their ego will become too inflated. Allow them to help out, praise and appreciate their hard work, and encourage them to get out of their heads from time to time and use their hearts to express themselves through art projects, writing, and getting a little messy (occasionally).
Learning Resources Farmers Market Sorting Set
Target
There's nothing a detail-oriented Virgo loves more than organization, and this sorting set is right up their meticulous alley.
Slumberkins Yak for Self-Acceptance & Positive Self-Talk
Slumberkins
Slumberkins were developed to teach toddlers and kids all about emotional regulation and social tools. Each animal teaches us something different, and Yak will encourage your perfectionist Virgo how to speak kindly to themselves and accept themselves as they are. Virgos are notoriously hard on themselves, so teaching them to ease up from an early age really sets them up for success.
The most idealistic people you know are likely Libras. As air signs, they float into the realm of borderline naive hopes that everyone will get along at all times and any kind of conflict can be triggering for these balance-craving babies. They’re natural negotiators and peacemakers. They love when everyone around them feels relaxed and at ease and they’ll go above and beyond to make sure of it. This ‘by any means necessary’ attitude towards achieving harmony can lead to people-pleasing and some difficulty confidently stating their opinions (though they certainly have them), especially in a group. Libras are social and are often everyone’s best friend, though they’ll limit their personal close contacts to just a few lucky people.
Your Libra adores beauty, sometimes to a fault. This can come off as shallow and materialistic, but ultimately, feeling surrounded by beauty is their love language. It contributes to their sense of harmony. They also have a strong belief in love and romance, and associate love with beauty of all kinds. They do struggle with making decisions, and are very much go-with-the-flow. They’re more peacemakers than leaders. Your Libra baby is ruled by Venus, so they love affection and can’t hear ‘I love you’ too much. Warm, quick-witted, and charming, their sweet dispositions are usually upset by overwhelm or a sense of injustice for themselves or others. Encourage their love of fairy tales as well as teaching them how to ground themselves when they get a little ‘floaty’ and you’ll keep them balanced and happy.
Foamnasium Bridges
Pottery Barn Kids
These soft foam 'bridges' can be used for climbing, lounging, or just adding a dreamy aesthetic to your Libra's space.
Each of the five colorful pins features different textures to feel plus a weighted base that wobbles and balances. What harmonious Libra kiddo could resist?
We all know that Scorpios are intense, and we wouldn’t change that for the world. They never do things with only half their heads or hearts, they’re deep, brilliant, and natural researchers. Scorpio babies feel things so deeply, and encouraging them from a young age to express their emotions in a healthy way instead of keeping it all bottled up will serve them well. They do tend to be slightly distrusting in general, so if they take a while to warm up to someone, it’s not lack of manners. Your little scorpion will test you, but that’s their way to making sure that your love is truly unconditional. They’re the ride-or-die sign that values loyalty and remains intensely aware of the people and things around them.
Scorpios get a bad rap of being secretive, but it’s not sneakiness so much as their introverted nature. They process everything internally and love a good mystery. It’s important to let your baby Scorpio know that it’s okay to talk their emotions out with someone they do trust while at the same time setting boundaries so they still feel in control. Your little one’s drive and determination can mask a sense of fear and insecurity that can lead to anxiety, so reassurances and giving them a sense of safety will be really helpful. Scorpios are magical, intuitive, and love with their whole hearts.
Mini Backpack with Safety Harness
Skip Hop
Ever the explorer, your Scorpio will need a backpack to keep their findings in (and you'll need a way to keep them from wandering off too far!). This toddler backpack also comes in a koala design.
Believe it or not, Scorpio isn't a fire sign. They're actually water signs, which explains their deep emotions and love of all things mysterious. These Sensory Play Jars will calm them down and help them center themselves while they investigate the glitter, lights, and more! There are also filler kits you can buy seperately to customize their jars.
Discovery is the name of the game for your Scorpio sweetie. Let them get wrapped up in this activity center that features a ton of early learning and sensory activities.
Sunshine-in-person-form, Sagittarius is a fire sign that’s more warmth than burn. They’re the wild child of the zodiac. They adore nature, the outdoors, adventure, and exploration. Your archer is an animal-lover, so they’ll ask for a pet (if you don’t already have one. If you do, expect them to want to add to the gang!). These babes are open-minded, progressive, and extremely free-spirited. Conformity and routine aren’t strong suits of theirs, and they really struggle with rules, so a great way to keep them from getting too far off track is to explain the logic behind rules so they understand that you don’t intend to stifle them; only to protect them.
These little ones are imaginative and creative and they would really prefer to avoid sitting in one place too long. Sports, walks, and physical play are favorites of this sign. Your Sagittarius will want to run errands with you and will make it an adventure instead of a chore. Take them to the park, to the grocery store, the dry cleaner, and expect them to add some sparkle to the whole afternoon. They’re fascinated with pebbles, sticks, and flowers, so they’re likely to come home with full pockets and random things in the bottom of their backpack. Little Sags can be impulsive and a little reckless, so guiding them without smothering them will help them thrive.
Manhattan Toy Put and Peek Birdhouse
Manhattan Toy
Your Sagittarius baby loves animals, so this soft birdhouse will let them take care of these little birdy friends, complete with birdhouse and handle so they can tote them anywhere.
This is such a beautiful set that'll appeal to Sagittarius' sense of wonder, connection to nature, and curiosity. Water-based paints and natural wood make this an awesome option for toddlers.
Your Capricorn baby is a true old soul. They come into the world wise beyond their years, and, similar to Virgos, they’ll strive for perfection. Under their goat ruler, they’ll reach the mountaintop or die trying, in so many words. They have an intensely strong work ethic and will need to be reminded to play, too. Capricorns are highly-productive and ambitious, preferring logic to emotion. Because of this, they give great advice without getting too wrapped up in being overly emotional.
It’s a good idea to keep in mind that these little goats are their own worst critics, so if they do make a mistake, even if discipline is needed, try to also remind them that they’re still lovable, smart, and worthy. They don’t shy away from responsibility, though it does take them some time to warm up to others on a personal level. Encouraging compassion and empathy will be great for them, especially teaching them compassion toward themselves. They won’t typically indulge in dress-up or playing pretend; play needs to have a point for Capricorns. Reward systems really resonate for this sign, too, so chore charts and allowance will be awesome drivers.
LeapFrog My First Learning Tablet
LeapFrog
Not only will they feel mature with this toddler-ready tablet, but they'll also get to learn a ton with lights, colors, and sounds. Available in two colors.
For these reward-centered kiddos, cause-and-effect toys are fantastic. This springy cloud features five colorful rainbow pop-up rods in three heights for a hands-on learning experience.
Unique and quirky, your Aquarius is so independent and fun, there’s never a dull moment. Individuality is their driving force, and encouraging their self-expression is ideal for raising happy water-bearers. They’re open-minded and a bit rebellious, but as long as you step back and embrace their little quirks and unique likes, their rebellious streak will be tempered. They march to the beat of their own drum, and their creativity knows no bounds.
Interpersonal relationships are paramount for air signs in general, but as the last air sign of the zodiac, Aquarius takes this trait to a whole new level. They’re deeply rooted in teamwork and the ‘greater good’, so they’ll often be involved in projects that connect with community and are the first to jump into anything revolutionary that feeds their humanitarian souls. As humanitarian as their souls are, they don’t do small talk or people-pleasing. They need something much deeper. Aquarius is ruled by Uranus, the planet that governs innovation, technology, and surprising events, and that perfectly represents this visionary babe.
LED Light Table
Etsy
Don't worry; you can leave the sand for when they're a little older. This LED light table illuminates transparent toys and blocks, plus it changes colors to suit your Aquarius' mood. You can also buy light table toys separately to prevent the Aquarius boredom.
This fingerpaint kit is created specifically for toddlers to express themselves without mom and dad worrying about an unfixable mess. The paints are washable and the paper is specially coated to prevent seeping through.
The ultimate sensitive sign, those born under Pisces are considered to be darn near magical. They’re said to walk between reality and whatever lies beyond, so if you think your babe is growing into a child who just knows things, you’re probably right. This is a sign that has a high propensity for psychic abilities. As children, they don’t realize that not everyone has this sort of intuitive knowing, but once they do, they may try to bury that part of themselves, or simply retreat into themselves to avoid sensory overload. This can lead to others thinking these fish are a little snobby, when nothing could be further from the truth.
Pisces’ precious personalities are always looking for people and animals who might need help or who they consider vulnerable. They give generously and struggle with boundaries, so it’s your job to guide them into healthy relationship practices. True born artists, Pisces babies will express themselves through works of art that are dreamy and compelling. They love living in their sparkly, whimsical land of imagination, so reminding them when it’s time to focus on being grounded and present will help them out a lot. Pisces toddlers need gentleness and care above all things and a recognition of their extreme sensitivity to avoid hurt feelings. Take care of them with a lot of love and a delicate touch and your guppy is sure to shine.
Warmies Babydoll
Warmies
Warmies are fully microwavable and real lavender-scented that create the ultimate in comfort for adults and kiddos. Letting your Pisces care for a babydoll that also soothes them couldn't be more perfect. If babydolls aren't their preference, Warmies come in a huge assortment of lovable creatures!
Pisces have no problem connecting with their emotions, but identifying them by name can be a little tricky. These nesting fruit friends help introduce them to understanding and naming their feelings.
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Spring has sprung, and for families in LA, this is hands down the best season for getting out of the house. With comfortable temperatures, plenty of sunshine, and the summer heat still a ways out, it’s the perfect time to embrace the outdoors with your tiny explorers.
Just hop in your car and head to Kidspace Children’s Museum in Pasadena for an exciting roster of spring activities for kids ages up to ten years old. With the museum’s 28th annual “Butterfly Season” taking place now through May 19, kids can flutter into seasonal fun, including an immersive, butterfly art installation, bug-searching safaris, DIY crafts, butterfly garden planting, and more.
Keep reading for seven springtime adventures awaiting your little ones at Kidspace, and get ready to capture some Instagram-worthy moments!
1. Immerse yourself among butterflies
Surround yourself with breathtaking, handcrafted Monarchs with Kidspace’s latest art installation, “Butterfly Kaleidoscope.” This immersive experience takes your typical baby crib mobile to the next level. Just imagine a group of butterflies (a.k.a. kaleidoscope!) swirling above your head, which, of course, makes for a perfect Instagram moment. Did we mention the interactive sculpture is also made entirely of upcycled waste-stream materials?
2. Spin your partner round & round
Little ones’ favorite outdoor art installation is back at Kidspace. Titled “Los Trompos,” these life-sized spinning toy tops feature colorful fabric that is woven together like traditional styles created by Mexican artisans. But this installation isn’t just for admiring—kids are invited to climb inside and go for a wild whirl. Parents, your kids may never want to leave!
3. Find your favorite creepy crawler through a bug safari
It wouldn’t be a trip to Kidspace without a hands-on learning activity. This spring, your tots can join in on the search for eggs, caterpillars, and adult insects around the museum. All they have to do is bring their curiosity, while Kidspace will supply the magnifying glass and expert tips.
4. Help plant a butterfly garden
Budding naturalists can support seasonal pollinators, like butterflies, by growing plants that attract and feed them. Kids can grab a watering can and learn all about these amazing critters and how they help flowers blossom.
5. Create your own very hungry caterpillar
Where are all of our mini artists at? Kidspace has a fun and engaging DIY craft just for them. With kid-friendly modeling clay, children can create their own wild creature and even add seeds to sprout a fuzzy friend at home.
6. Adopt a caterpillar
Witness the wonder and awe of a tiny caterpillar transform into a majestic Painted Lady butterfly—right from your own home garden. With Kidspace’s caterpillar adoption program, you can raise and release a new pal for just $8. Adopt your caterpillar in person or online, then pick it up at the museum for a fun and educational experience the whole family will love. Your kids can also sign this cute adoption certificate for a sweet memento!
7. Dress up like a butterfly
Get ready to snap sweet pictures of your preschooler dressed up as their favorite fluttering pals. They can also sit in a faux chrysalis (the stage when a caterpillar is covered by a hard case before it emerges as a butterfly)—another perfect photo opp.
Reserve your tickets to Kidspace Children’s Museum for admission to the 28th annual “Butterfly Season,” happening now through May 19.
What’s better than a sale? A surprise sale. Whether you’re a planner or not, when Amazon drops one of their unexpected sales, it’s a big deal. And the Amazon Spring Sale isn’t any different. Correction: the Amazon Big Spring Sale. This spring-forward (pardon the pun) sale is offering deep discounts—up to 40%+!—on everything from devices, spring fashion, Easter goodies, and beyond. Check out our top picks, but don’t take our word for it. Filling your cart will be so easy with this event. The Amazon Big Spring Sale ends 3/25!
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
The hunt for the perfect pair of leggings seems never-ending. If you’re anything like us, you have a whole drawerful of them, from $5 to $150. Of course, they’re also all different sizes, lengths, and fabrications. But the one thing they have in common? We all thought every last pair was the best at one time or another. Afterall, it’s always felt like trial-and-error was the only way to find the pair of your dreams. Until now. Flare leggings, workout, dress-up, or a combination, we’ve found the best of the best.
We’ve made sure they all are size-inclusive, versatile, and tested by our editors. We’re big fans of leggings around here, and whether you’re wearing them to work, to workout, or to run errands, we’ve covered them all. Their versatility is one of the reasons we love leggings so much, right? Sure, flare leggings are trending. But we also included the always-in-style classic silhouettes. Read on to find our favorite leggings (that we’re pretty sure will become your favorites, too!).
Best Flare Leggings
Athleta Elation Flare Pant
Athleta
From yoga to barre and runs to the grocery store, Athleta's Elation Flares are rated UPF 50+ and offer medium compression, so you feel held without constriction. Available in 4 colors. Sizes XXS-3X.
Insta booty lift and a smooth silhouette (meaning no muffin top). If you prefer a little more compression and shape, these iconic leggings are a win. Available in 3 (Dark Palm, pictured, and Midnight Navy are both on sale! Very Black is also available.) colors. XS-3X.
Beyond Yoga's spacedye fabric is unbelievably soft, and these pocket leggings feature a 5" waistband, midi length, and non-constrictive fit, you'll want to stay in these all the time. Available in 6 colors, XXS-4X.
Everyday Yoga Uphold Solid High Waisted Leggings With Pockets 28"
Everyday Yoga
Everyday Yoga's eco-friendly leggings include dual pockets and a flat waist + moisture-wicking elements so you stay comfortable. They come in 4 colors and sizes XS-XXL.
Let's hear it for these off-duty beauties with their soft fabrication and wide waistband. There's a reason why SKIMS is a cult favorite. 4 colors and sizes XXS-4X.
Okay, so Negative prefers to call these 'long underwear', but we don't care what they call them as long as they keep making them this cloud-like soft. They're as close to wearing nothing as you can get. Available in 8 colors and sizes XS-XXL.
Our shopping editor has been loyal to these leggings for years. They're unbelievably soft, come in a ton of colors, and are comfortable enough to sleep in. These are definitely not workout leggings.
You didn't think you'd get through a 'best leggings' roundup without seeing the OG SPANX Faux Leather Leggings did you? They are, in a word, perfect. Shaping, flattering, and available in sizes XS-3X.
We know you're loyal to your favorite leggings, but SECONDLEFT's collection managed to shock our shopping editor (in a good way). These leggings are perfect for working out and casual days, and if you're someone who likes to feel held in by your leggings without feeling restricted, you'll never go back once you try these. Available in multiple colors, sizes XS-2XL.
If you're a fan of color and prints, Draper James Sport is the collection for you. We're crushing on these ditsy floral leggings that stay bright even after multiple washes, and you can rock them from the gym to brunch to school pick up. Sizes XS-3X.
These Italian-made leggings can fit into a few different categories, and our shopping editor can't stop raving about them. Ultra-stretchy (like beyond stretchy), eco-friendly, and available in 4 colors, sizes S-XL.
These leggings are on the Oprah's Favorite Things List for 2022, so they're vetted! They're also made with 79% recycled bottles, so your high-impact workouts can feel even better. 10 colors, and sizes XXS-6XL, making them the most size-inclusive option we've found!
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
If you buy something from the links in this article, we may earn affiliate commission or compensation. Prices and availability reflect the time of publication.
Spring at Trader Joe’s brings the cutest plants and lemon everything
Warmer weather, beautiful blooms, tasty treats—that’s right, spring is almost springing! In typical fashion, there are tons of new Trader Joe’s items for the season that will have you more than ready to make a grocery run. With all the lemon products hitting the shelves, we can tell that TJ’s is all in. There are even a few products perfect for school lunches on the list.
Assorted Foliage in a Bunny
These cuties are a top pick for spring every year, and you’ll want to grab one before your store sells out for the season. They come with a variety of plant options so you might have to get yourself a colony.
Candy Coated Dark Chocolate Almonds
These babies are cute enough for Easter baskets but tasty enough to keep for yourself. They tend to sell out well before the holiday, so snag now before they hop away.
Gourmet Jelly Beans
Just in time for Easter basket stuffing, these big bags of gourmet jelly beans have hit the shelves. You’ll love that they have no artificial colors or flavors. The kids will just love them, period.
Peas & Carrots Sour Gummy Candies
You’ll definitely be able to get the kids to eat their peas and carrots when they come in gummy form. The peas are like sour Skittles and the carrots are a traditional sour gummy candy. Yes, we tried them so that we could report back (that’s the official story, at least).
Pastel Hyacinths
If you’re heading to a spring party this weekend, bring along one of these colorful hyacinths. They’ll dress up any doorstep!
Cheery Lemon Animal Crackers
We’ve never seen these cuties on the shelves before and we know that the kids will go wild to find them in their lunchbox this spring.
Raspberry Kringle
Either you love Kringles or you LOVE Kringles. There’s no in-between. The spring flavor is raspberry and it tops our list for sure. Perfect for breakfast or to share as an after-school snack.
Lemon Mini Sheet Cake
We don’t blame you if this is one of those treats that you don’t share with the kids. You can always find the vanilla version of this cake at Trader Joe’s but the lemon sheet cake is our favorite. It packs just the right amount of sour/sweet punch.
The spring version of this holiday snack mix is cute to have in a bowl for the next party you are planning. It is a mix of yogurt-coated pretzels, butter toffee peanuts, milk and dark chocolate peanut butter cups, broken pieces of dark chocolate Joe-Joe’s, and nonpareils.
Scented Candle Trio
We’re a sucker for all the candles at Trader Joe’s and this one instantly made its way into our cart. You’ll get tiny tins of raspberry/rose, rhubarb/bamboo, and lemon verbena. The lemon is our favorite, naturally.
Mini Succulents
Is it wrong to buy a succulent every time you visit Trader Joe’s? We think not. These cuties were looking extra spring-like with tiny flowers sprouting out of them. Just what you need to get you through the last dreary months before summer comes around.
Discover new favorites with these Black-owned online businesses that sell must-have items for pregnant women, new moms, babies, and toddlers. From pregnancy necessities and breastfeeding support to baby clothes, books, and toys, these companies were built with quality and representation in mind. If you’re heading to a baby shower soon, this list has lots of great options for both mom and baby.
Lucy Lue Organics
Made with premium organic cotton, these stylish, solid-colored baby essentials are made to last from season to season, and to be handed down. Check out the timeless bodysuits, bloomers, rompers, pants, tops, hats and more.
Sun & Lace
Each of these adorable moccs, boots, oxfords, mary janes, and bella janes (their signature style) are handcrafted by owner Briana in her Wisconsin studio. These are heirloom-quality shoes in neutral colors with sweet and stylish details.
Kammy Kids
This is the place to find graphic bodysuits and t-shirts with sayings you’ll love: “little love,” “best friend,” “new to the crew,” “big bro” and our favorite, “milk’n it.” These will take your Insta photos to a whole new level.
Junobie
These breast milk bags just changed the pumping game. They’re made from 100% food-grade silicone, they’re reusable, and they’re safe for the dishwasher, microwave, freezer or oven. With milk bags, boxes, jars and cups, they have everything you need to store your liquid gold.
What Little Wonder
Dress up your nursery with these modern and bohemian knit blankets, perfect for tummy time, cuddles, naps, and reading. Also great for staying warm during stroller walks.
Yinibini Baby
We especially love the cute designs that are hand-screen-printed on organic cotton onesies. In addition to baby clothes, Soyini George’s shop also sells bibs, books, toys, teethers and more.
Happy Mango
Get baby gear, nursery necessities, toys, clothes, and everything you need for bathing and feeding. The Black-owned business sells top brands and offers a baby registry you can fill with items on your wishlist.
Tippy Tot Shoes
A great spot to buy luxury shoes for your favorite babies, from crib shoes to walking shoes. Search the stylish selection of classic, vintage, and retro styles for timeless kicks you’ll love.
Coco’Pie Clothing
Celebrate black girl beauty with these cute clothes, pillows, and accessories for babies and young girls. The website also sells natural hair care to keep those gorgeous locks healthy and nourished.
KaAn’s Designs
The Greens family owns this parenting lifestyle brand of tees and accessories for kids and the whole family. Check it out for cool sayings, holiday collections, and matching outfits for siblings, mommy & me, daddy & me, and more.
Kido
Shop by age for clothing, books, toys, activities and more at this family-owned shop based in Chicago. Run by married creatives Doug and Keewa, he designs prints for shirts while she drives the vision and curates the shop.
Miles and Milan
Minimalist yet fashion-thoughtful is the aesthetic of Shennel Fuller’s shop of clothing basics and fashion pieces. The casual joggers, hoodies, tees, and sweatshirts come in solids and simple designs. One cute bodysuit made Oprah’s Favorite Things list.
The Rooted Baby Co.
“Rooted in love. Rooted in culture” is the mantra behind this online shop celebrating the founders’ Ghanaian background. The baby items are designed with authentic African print fabric or are inspired by the Ghanaian people. Find bows, swaddles, gift boxes and more.
Ade + Ayo
Enjoy the beauty of African design with these baby and toddler clothes, accessories and toys. Founder Temidayo Adedokun designs and curates the collection of beautiful and practical items.
Minibrook
We love these stylish clothing essentials for kids. The mix-and-match solids and stripes are the epitome of casual cool and built for playtime.
Brave + Kind Bookshop
Shop for inclusive board books, picture books, chapter books and cool toys and accessories. The book bundles takes the guesswork out of shopping for gifts.
Tinkypoo
The colorful designs on these diapers feature super cute babies who are Black, Brown, Asian American and Pacific Islanders. In addition to being adorable, they’re absorbent and made with plant-based ingredients. Available in newborn to size 4.
Stina & Mae
Founded by new mom Mishell Ekunsirinde when she couldn’t find a changing mat she liked, Stina & Mae sells organic, high-quality products for modern mamas and babies, including mats, snuggle blankets, nursing pads, bibs, burp cloths and cotton wipes. Buy items individually or choose a beautiful gift box curated with eco-friendly baby essentials.
Cozy n Cute Kids Boutique
The kids’ clothes at the Cozy N Cute Kids Boutique are cute, comfortable, and always on trend. You’ll find cool sayings, sweet ruffles and fun prints you and your child will love. This online kids clothing store was founded by Priscilla Wesson, a Black mom with two daughters from Long Island, NY. She launched her online shop in June 2020 and focuses on practical everyday styles for young kids, with affordable prices, great deals and top-notch customer service.
Milky Mama
Milky Mama was created by Krystal Nicole Duhaney, a registered nurse, board-certified lactation consultant and breastfeeding mother of two. She began her business making lactation cookies and has branched out into brownies, iced tea, lemonade, smoothie mix and herbal supplements, all to help women maintain their milk supply. The website also offers breastfeeding support from a team of lactation consultants, doula services and a Moms at Work Program to assist corporations in supporting breastfeeding employees in the workplace.
Pretty Please Teethers
When mom Kelli had trouble finding safe, stylish, natural handmade items for her babies, she decided to make and sell her own. Her teethers, pacifiers, pacifier clips, rattles, bibs and snack cups are functional and beautiful with minimalist flair, in soft and stylish colors. All of the products are handmade and designed in Utah and made from food-grade silicone and natural beechwood.
Mila Christina The beautiful and durable cashmere (yes, cashmere!) baby bodysuits from Mila Christina help regulate body temperature and are soft on baby’s sensitive skin. These gorgeous turtleneck bodysuits come in soft, classic colors and have buttons at the bottom and up the turtleneck for easy on and off. Founder and creative director Ollia Njibaloh created the bodysuits to keep her own daughter warm and comfortable.
Healthy Roots Dolls
Show your love for curly girls with a Zoe doll from Healthy Roots Dolls. The company’s first doll, Zoe is 18 inches tall with a soft cloth body torso and vinyl limbs. Best of all, her gorgeous dark, curly hair is washable and styleable! Leave her hair down or put it in braids, puffs and other beautiful styles. Founder Yelitsa Jean-Charles was inspired to create more diverse toys while studying illustration at the Rhode Island School of Design. With a grant from Brown University and support from Kickstarter backers and other groups, she made her dream come true, and now creates dolls like Zoe that make lots of little girls’ dreams come true.
The Stork Bag
We love this pregnancy gift created by Ericka N. Perry for bringing a smile to mamas: Pregnant women receive a cute, reusable bag full of useful products handpicked by moms, geared toward the trimester, postpartum, or to moms expecting a rainbow baby after a pregnancy loss. The company also sells pregnancy journals, baby products, body products, and more.
King + Lola Kids
Jasmine Walker started her kids fashion business while pregnant with her second child and completing her MBA degree. King + Lola sells children’s clothing and accessories, including eco-friendly and upcycled items. The products are all made in the USA with fabrics from around the world. The company gives back to charities and nonprofit organizations.
Little Muffincakes Baby Boutique
From blankets and bibs to burp cloths and bodysuits, the products from Little Muffincakes Baby Boutique are adorned with sweet images of Black kids at play. Through relatable imagery and high-quality products, they aim to promote self-acceptance and self-esteem.
HarperIman
The mother-daughter duo behind HarperIman dolls are committed to designing dolls of color that reinforce to children of color how important, smart, talented, creative and beautiful they are. Choose from keepsake dolls, baby dolls, tea party dolls, more to love dolls, or order a custom doll, when available.
Ah, the ever-elusive concept of time. It’s like a ninja—stealthily slipping away when you’re not looking but stubbornly dragging on when you’re trying to entertain a restless toddler or engage an uninterested tween. Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of fun play ideas for kids of all ages that won’t take longer than a snack break. From magic tricks to a game of animal charades, these activities are guaranteed to make 20 minutes feel like a flash. And who knows, the memories made during these mini-adventures might just become cherished family stories down the road.
Play Ideas for Kids Age 2-4
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Notoriously known for having zero attention span, toddlers can lose interest quickly, so filling 20 minutes with engaging activities isn’t always easy. These quick-fix ideas help turn any idle time into a burst of fun.
1. Play I-Spy. This classic game stands the test of time and helps toddlers better understand their surroundings. It’s also easily adaptable, requires no materials, and takes almost no time to complete. Put a twist on the same old game and set up your “I Spy” with a theme. Pick a letter (all things that begin with “B”), a color (only purple objects), or any other focus that your kiddo can dream up.
2. Stack Stuff. Watch your little one learn hand-eye coordination, spatial awareness, and problem-solving skills by just stacking stuff. Whether it’s cups or blocks, they’ll have a blast figuring out balance and stability.
3. Have a Dance Party. Throw on some music and dance it out. Choose from our roundup of the best Spotify playlists, and spike your heart rate to a family-friendly tune. It’s also a great way to shake things up when your little one is feeling grumpy.
4. Play Follow the Leader. Get creative with this old-school favorite. Choose a theme (such as acting like animals or moving like snowflakes), create super-silly walks, or explore outside with a follow-the-leader nature walk.
Ideas for Ages 4-6
iStock
Preschoolers are curious, and their imagination is always running at warp speed. It’s a great time to introduce play ideas that activate their love of make-believe. Unchanged: Preschoolers are curious, and their imagination is always running at warp speed. It’s a great time to introduce play ideas that activate their love of make-believe.
4. Act out a book. While reading a book together is always a good idea, acting one out could be even more fun. If your toddler has a favorite book they’re obsessed with, dig into the dress-up box and have them try to act out a live-action version.
5. Have your little one stay in character when you play a quick game of animal charades. No prep is necessary for this easy guessing game. Just pick your favorite animal and go for it. With each successful guess, trade places and start again. Ee-i-ee-i-o!
6. Create a card for a loved one. Surprise a friend or relative with a homemade card from you and your toddler. They’ll have fun stamping, coloring, and creating a fun design, and the recipient will be thrilled with the surprise mail.
Play Ideas for Kids Ages 6-8
iStock
It’s no surprise that recess is this group’s favorite time of day. Grade school kids need to run and unleash energy, so killing 20 minutes is easy when you have open space to move. Here are some fun activities to keep moving and even a few for when they need to sit still.
7. Play freeze tag. The person who is “it” tries to tag the others. Once you’ve been tagged, you have to stand (frozen in the position you were in when you were tagged) until another “untagged” person can tag you to free you.
8. Create a Scavenger Hunt. Whether you pull a pre-organized list off the internet or create your own, enjoy watching your grade-schooler expend some serious energy while hunting for one item after another.
9. Play a minute to win it game. This age set loves a timer and since every phone has one you can break out a minute to win it game just about anywhere. From ball drop to sponge run, we’ve got a full list of games that take 60 seconds or less and are sure to make time fly.
10. Have fun with jokes. Laughter really is the best medicine. Telling jokes is an instant mood booster, so whether you’re stuck in traffic or waiting in the orthodontist’s office, tap into some of our favorite belly-laughing jokes. We even have a best-of-summer roundup!
Play Ideas for Kids Ages 10-12
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Avoid the dreaded “I’m bored” phrase by suggesting one of these activities to your soon-to-be middle schoolers.
12. Conversation starters. Jumping into a good discussion with tweens isn’t always seamless, but these conversation starters can help. Try using this one right before dinner—If you could make any vegetable against the law, which would it be? Just be ready for their answer!
13.Play “Exquisite Corpse,” where you create a story together. Decide on a theme and have the first person write a phrase or sentence. The next person continues the story by writing the next sentence or phrase, using the last word or phrase from the previous person’s contribution. Continue taking turns until you have a complete story.
14. Learn a magic trick. Start with the simple paper-clip trick and keep moving through this entire list of tricks.
15. Play Name that Tune—and let them pick the music! It’s a great way to get your kiddo to talk more about what they’re into and for you to add some variety to your playlist.
The Best Ideas for Teens
Trying to get your teen to put down their phone and engage in conversation is like trying to teach a cat to swim – it’s not impossible, but it sure feels like it sometimes! The good news is, once you do, they’re happy you did it and more likely to form healthy habits around screen usage.
15. Play a game of “20 Questions”. Get more insight into your teen’s mind and thought process with this classic game you can play anywhere, anytime. It also fosters strategic thinking and is a game of deduction and logic that will be very satisfying for your ever-growing tween.
16. Play Wordle or do a mini crossword. Want to engage and still use the phone? We suggest pairing up to solve everyone’s favorite word puzzles.
17. Boost their confidence. Sometimes just letting them know you’re proud of them can lead to the best discussions. Here are 30 positive things to say to your favorite almost-teen when they don’t feel like talking.
18. Trivia for Tweens and Teens. From who is the half-blooded prince to who is the oldest gamer on YouTube, we’ve rounded up some of the most intriguing trivia questions for teens (and tweens) that are guaranteed to keep them entertained.
Toddlers are always busting at the seams to score some fun. So why not turn downtime at home into an opportunity to expand their imagination with crafty projects that are both simple to pull off and highly entertaining? We’ve gathered more than 25 arts and crafts for toddlers that parents can turn to whenever their little one craves instant amusement.
The Best Arts and Crafts for Toddlers That Don’t Take Much Prep
1. 3D Flower Cards Look for bright days ahead with this 3D Flower Card craft for toddlers from Hello Wonderful. Help your little one draw vases on the card and then tape a single bloom inside the vase. Whether you get outdoors to pick flowers or you use silk flowers, it’s a simple craft to inspire all the senses.
2. Counting Hands
Fun and educational crafts? Yes, please! If you have a toddler that’s learning to count, check out this cute counting hands craft that offers a visual way to learn.
3. Rainbow Bookmark
Foster your kiddos’ love of books with a cute and colorful felt rainbow bookmark. Growing Up Gabel whipped up these easy-to-follow instructions for this sweet project that can be completed in just 20 minutes, with help from an adult.
4. Popsicle Stick Tent Get your little adventurer excited for the next camping trip with this easy DIY toddler craft from Glued to My Craft.
The Artful Parent
5. Sticky Wall
Combine arts and crafts with hand-eye coordination skills and set up a Sticky Wall. The Artful Parent shows us how you can create hours of fun with a simple roll of contact paper and just about anything you have that can stick to the paper. Find, stick, repeat. This is a very low-mess activity and very simple to set up. And did we mention so much fun?
6. Paper Plate Dragons Take to the skies when you engineer flying dragons. To complete this simple project, grab paper plates, paints or markers, and download this template from Pink Stripey Socks. Print, cut, color, play!
7. Stamped Paper Sheep
Make sweet sheep with paint, paper, and a few of your child’s other favorite art materials. This springtime craft is perfect for preschoolers. And bonus: it’s easy to adapt to your toddler or grade-schooler. Get the details on how to get artsy with DIY stamping from Buggy and Buddy.
8. Medieval Crown Craft This craft from First Palette is fit for the pint-sized royalty in your life. You’ll have a new addition to the dress-up bin with construction paper, crepe paper, and as much sequin bling as you can find. Head here for the full instructions.
A Girl and a Glue Gun
9. Salt Paint Draw a pretty picture with glue. Load up color and water. When you touch the salt—the paint spreads like magic. If you need help trying to figure out what to draw, check out A Girl and a Glue Gun for ideas and a full salt paint tutorial. Just remember to keep it simple. It takes forever to dry.
10. Crayon Resist Art An oldie but a goodie, this crafts technique is often used because it’s easy, quick, and adaptable. Simply draw on paper with crayons or oil pastels, and then paint over with watercolors and watch as the paint resists the wax. Check out a full how-to here, and for more resist techniques, check out these from the Artful Parent.
11. Magic Torch Reveal
This one takes a little more work from parents, but is so cool, and toddlers and preschoolers will love it. Plus, more than likely, you have everything you need already at home. Check out the YouTube tutorial and step-by-step instructions at Paging Fun Moms.
12. DIY Mini Roads Set
Pick a lane, any lane. This ten-minute craft becomes a DIY game you can break out and play anytime. Check out all the ways this mini road set, made out of popsicle sticks, can stimulate your little one’s imagination and spark joy.
13. Egg Carton Catepiller Help your toddler transform an empty egg carton into a colorful caterpillar while filling an hour of downtime with good old fashion fun. This little project from My Bored Toddler is almost too easy to set up.
14. Paper Plate Crafts
This cat craft is a great evergreen activity you can bust out any time of the year, and the best part is it’s made out of a paper plate, that you probably already have on hand. I Heart Crafty Things has many adorable ideas for paper plate crafts, so once you perfect your cat, you can keep crafting. We love this Panda Bear too.
15. Footprint Unicorn Those toddler hands and feet get so big so quickly. Use your downtime at home to make some hand and foot prints. As a bonus, you can save these to give to the grandparents the next time they visit. This unicorn from Live Learn Eat Love may inspire other ideas like dinos, birds, or trees.
16. Mosiac Earth
Don’t wait until Earth Day to celebrate and teach kiddos the importance of taking care of our planet. This Earth Craft Mosiac from Crafts by Amanda is a great way to talk to your toddler about ways to protect the planet while having fun and making something special together.
17. Cardboard Rain Stick
A rain stick makes the prettiest sound, and making one at home with a few simple items is very easy. We love the tutorial for this musical craft found over at The Imagination Tree.
18. Simple Nature Prints
The best post-walk arts and crafts activity is nature prints. Besides breaking out Play-Doh in various colors, gather a bit of nature like twigs, flowers, and leaves, and then get ready to combine two things toddlers love: crafting and the great outdoors.
19. Singing Straws
We love Handmade Charlotte’s take on the pan flute. Not only does this homemade instrument actually make music, but it’s also as bright and colorful as can be.
20. Paper Pig Activity Have friends over and set out enough materials so each kid can paint their own pig. It’s super simple, and you probably already have everything you need on hand. Plus, the easy tutorial from Oh Creative Day takes the pressure off of you.
21. Fork Tulips
Who says your crafty kid needs a brush to paint? This paper art activity celebrates spring with a paint print and a fringe of green grass. Learn how to make these cute tulips with Growing Up Gabel’s tutorial.
22. Crazy Hair Toilet Tubes For all the scissor-obsessed toddlers, grab a kid-friendly pair and let your tot practice their fine motor skills by giving their toilet paper pal from My Bored Toddler a funky haircut.
23. Paper Cup Whale Paper cups are such a handy resource to have amongst your craft supplies. This play idea transforms a humble paper cup into a fun-having whale that can add an element of drama to your child’s play.
24. DIY Animal Necklaces
Grab a few plastic animals and get crafting. These DIY necklaces from Hello Bee are colorful, adorable, and wearable.
25. Book Monsters
If you’ve got a budding bookworm in your family, you’ve got to make this adorable project from Easy Peasy and Fun. There’s lots of room for creativity—you can add eyes, teeth, horns…the sky’s the limit.
26. Painted Pasta Necklaces Dip into the pantry for this colorful craft. Then, pop over to Pickle Bum for all the details. You’ll quickly see the options are endless and the results are five stars.
27.Paper Tube Caterpillar Pom Pom Craft and learn colors with this adorable paper tube caterpillar. Color coordination never looked so fun.
Make sure to capture all the photos of your crafty tot—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.
